Youth

Grow in faith, build friendships, and have fun at Gethsemane! Our Wednesday youth programs offer children and students of all ages a place to learn, serve, laugh, and grow through games, music, Bible lessons, service opportunities, and a welcoming community. Whether you're joining us for the first time or have been with us for years, there's a place for you here. Explore the programs below to find the best fit for your child's age!

ROCKS

Preschool (Ages 4–5) through 4th Grade

ROCKS is Gethsemane's Wednesday after-school ministry where children grow in faith, build friendships, and have fun! Each week is filled with exciting games, music, Bible lessons, crafts, hands-on activities, and meaningful opportunities to learn about God's love in a welcoming Christian environment.

New for 2026–2027: To provide the best experience for every child, students will be divided into two or three age-based groups, depending on enrollment and volunteer availability. This allows for more age-appropriate lessons, activities, and small-group connections.

Everyone is welcome! You do not need to be a member of Gethsemane Lutheran Church to join us.

Schedule

Wednesdays during the school year
3:15–5:30 PM
Follows the Dassel-Cokato School District calendar.

Each afternoon includes a snack, music, games, Bible lessons, crafts, and other engaging activities. The evening concludes with a FREE family community dinner beginning at 5:30 PM, and everyone is invited to stay and enjoy a meal together.

Transportation

Students attending Dassel Elementary walk to church with screened adult volunteers. Transportation is provided for students attending Cokato Elementary, and middle school students may join the group after being dropped off at Dassel Elementary.

We can't wait to welcome your family to ROCKS!

Faith 56

5th- 6th graders

Faith 456ers is designed to help preteens grow deeper in their faith while building lasting friendships in a fun and welcoming environment.

Each Wednesday begins with Academic Choice and a snack, followed by music, Bible lessons, games, and hands-on activities. Students will explore what it means to make their faith their own by asking tough questions, discovering God's Word, and participating in Peer Ministry training that equips them to be caring friends, positive leaders, and faithful followers of Christ.

Faith 456ers concludes with a free family community dinner beginning at 5:30 PM, and families are encouraged to stay and enjoy a meal together.

Everyone is welcome! You do not need to be a member of Gethsemane Lutheran Church to join us.

Transportation

Students attending Dassel-Cokato Middle School will ride the school bus to Dassel Elementary, where they will meet our screened adult volunteers and walk together to church. Students attending Dassel Elementary also walk to church with the group, while transportation is provided for students attending Cokato Elementary.

Confirmation

Grades 7-10

Confirmation is a time for students to explore their faith, ask meaningful questions, and build lasting relationships with God and one another. Through engaging discussions, hands-on learning, service opportunities, and mentorship, students are encouraged to make their faith their own while growing as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Gethsemane's three-year confirmation program is designed for students in grades 7–9 and prepares them for the Affirmation of Baptism in the fall of their sophomore year of high school. We use the Confirm Not Conform curriculum to help students connect their faith to everyday life.

Throughout the program, students will:

Grow in their understanding of God, the Bible, and the Lutheran faith.
Ask questions and explore what they believe.
Build meaningful friendships with their peers.
Serve others through service projects and ministry opportunities.
Be paired with a caring adult mentor from the congregation who provides encouragement and support throughout the year.

Confirmation is more than a class—it's an opportunity to discover what it means to live out your faith and become an active member of the church community.

Schedule

5:30–6:00 PM – FREE Family Community Dinner (everyone is welcome!)
6:00–7:30 PM – Confirmation Class

We look forward to partnering with your family as your student continues to grow in faith and discipleship.